The home health aide caring for a home bound hospice client calls to inform the nurse that the client has reported feeling constipated. Which task should the nurse instruct the home health aide to perform?
Listen for the presence of bowel sounds.
Teach the client about foods high in fiber.
Administer a prescribed dose of a laxative.
Assist the client in drinking warm prune juice.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires a stethoscope and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should assess the client's bowel function and abdominal status.
Choice B Reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires knowledge and education skills. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should provide dietary advice and counseling to the client and their family.
Choice C Reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires medication administration skills and authority. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should check the medication order, verify the dosage and route, and document the administration.
Choice D Reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires basic care and assistance skills. This task is appropriate for the home health aide, who should encourage fluid intake and offer natural remedies for constipation, such as prune juice, which has laxative effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This action is not the best because it does not directly evaluate the PN's wound care skills in practice. A skill checklist may not reflect the current or actual abilities of the PN, especially if it is outdated or based on self-
reporting. The charge nurse should observe the PN's performance in person to ensure that she follows the proper procedures and protocols for sterile wound care.
B) This action is the best because it allows the charge nurse to verify the PN's wound care skills and provide feedback or guidance if needed. The charge nurse has a responsibility to ensure that the PN delivers safe and effective care to the clients on the unit. By watching the PN perform sterile wound care, the charge nurse can assess her competence, confidence, and compliance with standards of practice.
C) This action is not the best because it is disrespectful and discouraging to the PN. The charge nurse should not dismiss or undermine the PN's past experience, which may have contributed to her wound care skills. The charge nurse should acknowledge and appreciate the PN's expertise, but also verify her skill level through direct
observation.
D) This action is not the best because it exposes the client to potential harm and liability. The charge nurse should not delegate a task that requires assessment and evaluation to a PN without first confirming her skill level and competency. The charge nurse should also not ask the PN to perform a task while she is busy with other duties, as this may compromise the quality and safety of care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that can be given by gravity infusion without an IV pump, as long as the nurse monitors the flow rate and adjusts the roller clamp as needed. The dose and duration of ceftriaxone are usually fixed and not affected by minor fluctuations in the infusion rate.
Choice B reason: Heparin is an anticoagulant that requires a precise and constant infusion rate to prevent bleeding or clotting complications. An IV pump is essential to deliver heparin safely and accurately.
Choice C reason: Magnesium is an electrolyte that can cause serious adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias,
respiratory depression, and muscle weakness if infused too rapidly or too slowly. An IV pump is necessary to control the infusion rate and prevent magnesium toxicity or deficiency.
Choice D reason: Regular insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and requires careful titration based on frequent blood glucose monitoring. An IV pump is required to deliver insulin at a consistent and adjustable rate to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
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